Then and now Project

4th Grade MiniquestThinking about how people lived in the 1700's and how we live today.Essential Question:How might today's technology have affected the events of the 1700's?

As a class:

Step 1: Think of all the different ways we can travel today! Now: Name three ways you can travel today. Then: Watch a short video about traveling in in the 1700's. Click here

Step 2: Transportation is not the only thing that has changed. Even the way we communicate today is different from the way people communicated in the 1700's. Now: Turn to the person next to you and name three ways you can communicate information today that was not possible in 1776. Then: Watch a short video about communicating in the 1700's. Click here

Independently:While you are working, think about this question:How might today's technology have affected the writing of the Declaration of Independence?

Step 3:Click on this video to learn a little more about the The Declaration of Independence from our database Learn 360 (you must be logged into your school Google account to view this):

The Declaration of Independence.wmv

Step 4: When Thomas Jefferson was writing the Declaration of Independence writing technology was very different. He wrote many drafts of the document and many different people helped him edit it. Take a look at one of the rough drafts of Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence.Click hereStep 5: After the members of Congress had signed the official copy of the Declaration of Independence, more copies were made using a printing press.

Step 6: Now that you have completed step 4, raise your hand to let Mrs. Williammee or Ms. Kassinger know you are ready for your next task. You will write a response to the Essential question: How might today's technology have affected the writing of the Declaration of Independence?

Day 2: Let's review our responses to the essential question together as a group.

Step 7: Now it is your turn! You will have a chance to sign The Declaration of Independence... TWICE! We will all take turns signing The Declaration of Independence by hand with a quill and on the computer digitally. Click here to sign the Declaration of Independence digitallyWhile you are at your station ponder this question:

Which method is more meaningful a handwritten signature or an electronic signature?